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Moving Checklist: Your Complete 8-Week Guide

In short, moving can be fairly stressful. There’s a lot to remember, and it’s easy to forget something important. That’s where a good moving checklist comes in. This 8-week moving checklist breaks the whole process into simple steps. You’ll always know what to do next, whether you’re moving across Colorado Springs or across the country. This moving checklist works for any type of move. Planning a residential move across town? Or a long-distance move out of state? Either way, this guide will keep you on track from your first call to a moving company all the way to your last box.
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What Moving Really Looks Like, Week By Week

8 Weeks Before Your Move

Start Planning

This is the planning stage. Getting organized now will save you a headache later.

Create a moving folder

Keep your estimates, receipts, and contracts in one place. A folder works, or you can keep everything in a simple digital file. This will double as the home base for the document checklist below, so it's worth setting up properly from day one.

Research moving companies

Look for a company with good reviews, proper licensing, and real experience. Our guide on how to choose a moving company covers what to check before you sign anything; things like verifying a USDOT number for interstate moves and spotting red flags before you hand over a deposit.

Set your budget and get rid of clutter

Moving is a great excuse to donate or toss things you don't need. The less you own, the cheaper and easier your move will be, since most moving quotes are based on weight and volume.

Make arrangements for documents

Track down medical records, school records, and any paperwork you'll need to transfer. If you have kids in school, this is also the moment to flag it with their current school (more on that in the Moving with Kids section).

Research your new home

Learn the layout and figure out how much storage space you'll have. This will help you plan ahead for furniture placement and packing priorities.

Identify any special furniture items

Write down anything that will need extra care, like a piano, gym equipment, or an antique dresser. Our furniture moving services and specialty item moving guide breaks down what extra planning these items typically need.

Speak with your landlord

If you rent, confirm your move-out date and ask what you need to do to get your deposit back. Most leases require 30-60 days' written notice, so don't wait too long to have this conversation.

Choose your moving company

Once you've compared a few, pick the one that fits your needs and your budget: Not sure what movers cost? Check out our breakdown of how much it costs to hire movers in Colorado Springs.

If you're moving long-distance, start planning now. Out-of-state moves have their own timeline for things like vehicle shipping and temporary housing — jump to our Long-Distance Move Checklist to see what to add to this week.

6 Weeks Before Your Move

Gather Supplies and Start Packing

Now the real work begins. It’s time to start packing, and to lock in a few logistics that are easy to forget until it’s too late.

Ask friends and family for help

Whether you need help packing or just some extra hands on moving day, ask early. People get busy, and calendars fill up fast in peak moving season.

Gather your packing supplies

Boxes, tape, and bubble wrap add up fast. Our guide to where to find free moving boxes can help you save some cash.

Schedule a walkthrough of your current place if you rent

If your lease requires a pre-move-out inspection, get it on the calendar with your landlord now rather than scrambling in the final week. This gives you time to fix anything flagged before it eats into your security deposit.

Schedule installs at your new place

Internet, cable, and security system installations often have multi-week waitlists, especially if you're moving into a new development or during a busy season. Call now to get on the schedule for internet/cable providers, and if you're setting up a home security system, book that installation too so it's ready before or shortly after you move in.

Update your accounts and subscriptions

Make a list of every account tied to your current address. This includes things like streaming services and gym memberships; you'll use this list again in the document checklist below.

Learn a few packing tips

Fragile and oddly shaped items need extra care. If you have larger or delicate pieces, take a look at our furniture moving services and specialty item moving guide.

Make travel plans

If your move involves an overnight trip, book your flight, hotel, or rental car now. Prices tend to go up closer to the date, especially for last-minute one-way rental cars.

Take care of home repairs

Handle anything your lease requires, or any small fixes that will help your old home sell or show better.

4 Weeks Before Your Move

Update Your Address and Arrange Storage

You’re getting close now. This is when things start to feel real.

Keep packing, room by room

Label each box with its contents and the room it belongs in. Future you will be thankful.

Arrange for storage if you need it

If there's a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, look into short-term storage options.

Set your utility transfer date

Pick the exact date you want service to stop at your old place and start at your new one; ideally your utilities stay on at the old address through moving day and are already live at the new one before you arrive. Call your electric, gas, water, and trash/recycling providers now to schedule the switch, since some utilities need a week or more of lead time. It's worth setting a reminder a few days out to confirm everything actually went through.

Change your address

File your official change of address with USPS, the official (and only free-if-in-person) way to forward your mail. Then update your bank, your employer, the IRS, and any subscriptions. Our guide on reporting a change of address walks through the full list, or below for a category-by-category breakdown.

Set aside your essential items

Pack a bag with things you'll need right away, like toiletries, a phone charger, and a change of clothes.

Get a floor plan of your new home

This makes it much easier to tell your moving crew where furniture should go.

Find new doctors

If you're moving to a new city, start looking for a physician, dentist, and any specialists your family needs.

Learn about your new neighborhood

Look into nearby schools, grocery stores, and other local spots. It helps you feel settled faster.

2 Weeks Before Your Move

Get Your Home Ready

Most of your things should be packed by now. It’s time to handle the last few details.

Pack almost everything

Aside from what you need day to day, your home should be mostly boxed up.

Take time off work

Confirm your time off with your employer so moving day isn't rushed.

Get rid of hazardous items

Movers can't transport things like propane tanks, paint, or cleaning chemicals. Plan ahead for how to dispose of them safely; many cities have a household hazardous waste drop-off event or facility.

Make plans for your pets

A pet sitter or boarding facility can keep your pets calm and out of the way on moving day. See our full Moving with Pets section below for more.

Eat up your perishables

Plan your meals around what's already in the fridge and pantry so less food goes to waste.

Clean your home

If you're renting, this is a good time to deep clean. Our apartment move-out cleaning checklist makes sure you don't miss a spot.

Plan a small moving party

Invite friends over before you leave. It makes the last few boxes a little more fun to pack.

Confirm final details with your movers

Call to reconfirm your date, arrival window, and any special items (like that piano or antique dresser) you flagged during your original walkthrough.

Moving Day Checklist

What to Do When the Movers Arrive

The big day is finally here! Keep this list close by so nothing slips through the cracks.

Keep your moving folder handy

Your contract, inventory list, and mover's contact info should stay within reach.

Turn off lights and appliances

Walk through your old home one more time to make sure everything is off and unplugged.

Stay available for your movers

Be on-site in case the crew has questions.

Sign the required paperwork

Review and sign your bill of lading, the legally binding contract between you and the mover that outlines the terms of your move, along with anything else your movers need. If your move crosses state lines, you should also receive a copy of your inventory list noting the condition of each item; review it before signing.

Direct your movers at the new place

Give clear directions and be there to guide the team once you arrive.

Take out some cash

It's good to have cash on hand if you want to tip your crew for a job well done.

Do a final walkthrough

Before you lock up, check every closet, cabinet, and drawer, plus the washer, dryer, and any appliances staying behind, for anything left over.

Enjoy your new home

Congratulations, you made it! Order some takeout and start settling in.

Delivery Day

When Your Belongings Arrive

If you’re moving locally, delivery day and moving day are usually the same day. But on a long-distance move, your things may travel separately and arrive on a different day, sometimes by a different crew. Here’s what to expect and do:

Be available to accept delivery

If you can't be there personally, authorize someone you trust to accept delivery and handle payment on your behalf.

Check your belongings as they're unloaded

Compare items against your inventory list. If anything is missing or damaged, note it on the crew's copy of the inventory before you sign, and take photos for your records.

Review and sign the final paperwork

This typically includes the bill of lading as a receipt and your final inventory list. Don't sign off until you've confirmed everything is accounted for.

Tip the crew if it's a different one from moving day

If the same crew both loaded and delivered your belongings and you already tipped them, there's no need to tip twice.

Direct furniture placement

Use the floor plan you prepared earlier to tell the crew where each piece should go; it saves you from rearranging heavy furniture later.

Keep your paperwork somewhere safe

You may need it to verify moving expenses at tax time or to file a claim if anything was lost or damaged.

Room-by-Room Packing Guide

Generic “gather your supplies” advice only gets you so far; every room in your house packs a little differently. Here’s how to tackle each one.

Kitchen

  • Use dish-pack boxes (double-walled with dividers) for plates, bowls, and glassware and wrap each piece individually rather than stacking loose paper between them.
  • Pack heavy items (small appliances, cast iron, canned goods) in small boxes; light items (Tupperware, cereal boxes) in larger ones. This keeps any single box from becoming too heavy to lift safely.
  • Leave one box of daily essentials, like coffee maker, a few dishes, and utensils, packed last and unpacked first.
  • Empty, defrost, and dry out the fridge and freezer at least 24 hours before moving day.

Living Room / Common Areas

  • Wrap electronics (TVs, gaming consoles, speakers) in their original boxes if you kept them, or use anti-static bubble wrap if not; never regular newspaper directly on screens.
  • Take photos of your entertainment center or shelving cable setup before disconnecting anything, so reassembly isn't a guessing game later.
  • Disassemble bulky furniture (bookshelves, TV stands) where possible, and keep hardware in a labeled bag taped to the underside of the piece itself so it doesn't get separated.

Bedrooms

  • Wardrobe boxes let you move hanging clothes straight from the closet without folding, making them a real time-saver if you have more than a couple outfits worth keeping wrinkle-free.
  • Pack out-of-season clothing and linens first, since you won't need them again before the move.
  • Strip the bed the morning of, and pack sheets in a clearly labeled box, as you'll want them within reach for your first night.

Bathrooms

  • Pack toiletries in a leak-proof bag or bin, not loose in a box; anything liquid should be sealed and placed upright.
  • Set aside a small "daily use" bag with toothbrush, medication, and basics to keep with you rather than on the truck.
  • Dispose of expired medications and half-empty bottles now rather than paying to move them.

Home Office / Electronics

  • Back up your computer before disconnecting anything, and photograph the cable setup behind your desk or router.
  • Keep small, high-value items (external hard drives, chargers, important paperwork) with you rather than on the moving truck.
  • Pack a small bag of basic tools (screwdriver, Allen keys) separately and accessible, because you'll need it to reassemble furniture and mount things at the new place before anything else is unpacked.

Garage, Basement & Storage Areas

  • This is where hazardous items tend to hide, so check for propane, paint, gasoline, and cleaning chemicals early, since movers won't transport them.
  • Drain gas from lawn equipment and let it dry out before moving day.
  • Box up tools by category (yard tools, hand tools, hardware) rather than tossing them all in loosely; it makes unpacking your garage far less painful.
  • Save this room for one of the last areas you pack, since it's often the least time-sensitive but most physically bulky.

Extra Considerations to Take While Moving

Not every move looks the same. Depending on who’s coming along for the ride, a move can bring its own set of logistics, emotions, and timelines. Here’s what to keep in mind if you’re moving with kids, pets, or aging family members.

Kids don’t experience a move the same way adults do, and even a positive move can feel like losing their whole world overnight. A little extra planning goes a long way.

  • Talk to them early and often: Give kids time to process the news, ask questions, and say what they’re nervous about. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a helpful guide on helping children adjust to a move that’s worth a read if this is your family’s first big move.
  • Notify their current school and start the transfer process: Reach out as soon as your move is confirmed, and ask what records, including transcripts, immunization history, IEP or 504 plans, will need to transfer.
  • Register for their new school early: Districts vary in what they require and how quickly they process enrollment, so don’t wait until move-in week.
  • Let them make some decisions: Picking their new room’s paint color or deciding how to arrange their space can help them feel some control over a process that otherwise happens to them.
  • Plan goodbyes: Schedule time for last play dates and visits with close friends, family, and favorite spots before you go.
  • Pack a comfort box: Fill it with a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy that stays with your child (not on the truck) so it’s the first thing they have in the new place.
  • Set up their room first, if you can: A familiar-feeling bedroom, even half-unpacked, helps kids settle in faster than an empty house full of boxes.

Helping an aging parent move is a different kind of move altogether, and it often means sorting through decades of belongings and a lot of emotion, not just boxes. Patience and extra lead time matter more here than almost anywhere else on this checklist.

  • Start the conversation early, and let them lead it: Ideally, begin planning months in advance rather than weeks. AARP’s guide to planning a manageable move is a solid starting point if you’re coordinating this for a parent or loved one.
  • Sort belongings in small, unhurried sessions: Decades of memories can’t be processed in a weekend. Start with lower-sentimental rooms (like the kitchen or garage) before tackling bedrooms or keepsakes.
  • Set up healthcare at the new location right away: Confirm which doctors, specialists, and pharmacies are in-network near the new home, and arrange for medical records and prescriptions to transfer before moving day.
  • Prioritize accessibility in the new place: If mobility is a concern, check for stairs, bathroom layout, and doorway widths well before move-in day so any modifications can be made in advance.
  • Recreate familiar layouts where you can: Photographing furniture arrangements beforehand and mirroring them in the new space can make the transition feel less disorienting.
  • Give yourself grace, too: This kind of move can be emotionally taxing for adult children as well; build in time to process it, not just to execute it.

Pets can’t be told what’s happening, which makes moving especially disorienting for them. A few simple steps keep them safe and lower everyone’s stress.

  • Keep pets away from the chaos on moving day: The ASPCA recommends keeping pets in a quiet room with the door shut, or boarding them or having a friend watch them for the day, so they can’t slip out an open door while the crew is loading.
  • Update their ID and microchip info before you move, so if they do get loose, they can be traced back to you at the new address.
  • Find a new vet ahead of time: Research options in your new city and, if possible, have your current vet transfer records before you arrive — that way you’re not scrambling to find care in an emergency.
  • Get them used to travel gradually: If your pet isn’t used to a crate or long car rides, start acclimating them in the weeks before the move with short trips and positive reinforcement.
  • Pack a pet travel kit: Food, water, bowls, medications, a leash, waste bags, and a favorite toy should all travel with you, not on the moving truck.
  • Introduce the new home slowly: Let pets settle into one room first — with their bed, food, and water — before giving them the run of the whole house.
  • Research pet-friendly spots in your new area ahead of time, including parks, walking routes, and daycare or boarding options, so your pet’s routine can bounce back quickly.

Document and Records Checklist

Between the folder you started in week 8 and the change-of-address filing in week 4, you’ll be updating your address in a lot of places. It helps to work through it by category rather than trying to remember everyone at once:
  • Bank and credit union accounts
  • Credit card issuers
  • Investment and retirement accounts
  • Loan and mortgage servicers
  • IRS and state tax agencies
  • Health, dental, and vision
  • Renter’s or homeowner’s
  • Auto and pet insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Primary care physicians and specialists (request records transfer)
  • Dentist and vision provider
  • Pharmacy (set up auto-refill at the new location, cancel at the old one)
  • Veterinarian
  • Social Security Administration, if applicable
  • Voter registration
  • Driver’s license and vehicle registration (see the Long-Distance Move Checklist above)
  • Your attorney, if you have one
  • Employer and payroll department
  • Streaming, subscription boxes, and gym memberships
  • Delivery apps and rewards programs
  • USPS mail forwarding

Long-Distance Move Checklist

Out-of-state and cross-country moves come with a handful of extra to-dos that a local move doesn’t require. Here’s what to add to your timeline:

  • Line up temporary housing if there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates.
  • Book flights, hotels, or a rental car for the trip if you’re not driving straight through.
  • If you’re driving, map your route, including overnight stops and fuel stops.
  • Get your vehicle serviced if you’re driving it to your new home — an oil change and a quick inspection can save you a roadside headache.
  • If you’re not driving your car and your moving company can’t transport it, look into an auto transport company.
  • Clean out and close any safe-deposit box at your current bank if you won’t be keeping that account.
  • Return borrowed items — library books, tools, anything you’ve picked up from friends or neighbors.
  • Get a new driver’s license. Many states require this within 30 days of establishing residency — check your new state’s DMV requirements as soon as you arrive.
  • Register your vehicle with your new state and find out whether an emissions or safety inspection is required.
  • Register to vote at your new address.
  • Establish care with a new doctor, dentist, and vet.

Tips for Hiring the Right Moving Company

Since your choice of movers shapes nearly everything else on this checklist, it’s worth getting right the first time. A few things to look for:

  • Proper licensing. For interstate moves, confirm the company has a valid USDOT number, which you can look up through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
  • Real, recent reviews. Check multiple platforms, not just the company’s own website.
  • A written, in-home or virtual estimate rather than a vague phone quote — this protects you from surprise charges on moving day.
  • Clarity on what’s not covered. Ask directly what your mover won’t transport (propane, paint, certain plants) so you’re not caught off guard.


For a deeper walkthrough, our full guide on how to choose a moving company covers exactly what questions to ask and which red flags to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Moving Timeline and Making Moving Easier

Aim for at least 6-8 weeks out, and earlier if you’re moving during peak season (May through September) or need a specific date.
Most movers won’t take hazardous materials like propane, gasoline, paint, or cleaning chemicals, along with perishable food and (in most cases) plants. Always confirm with your specific mover, since policies vary.
A good rule of thumb: if you haven’t used it in a year and it doesn’t have sentimental or practical value, it’s a strong donate-or-toss candidate. Since most moving quotes are based on weight, decluttering before your move can genuinely lower your bill.

Tipping is optional and at your discretion, but it’s a common way to thank a crew for a job well done; many people tip per mover, per day, based on the complexity of the move.

Talk to them early, involve them in small decisions, keep routines as consistent as possible, and set up their room first so they have a familiar space to land in.
Late fall through early spring (roughly September through April) tends to be cheaper and less crowded, since summer is peak season for movers. If you have kids, moving over summer break avoids pulling them out of school mid-year; it’s a trade-off between cost and convenience.
Movers are required to offer basic “released value protection” for free, but it typically only covers about 60 cents per pound per item, not what the item is actually worth. Most homeowners and renters insurance policies don’t cover belongings in transit either. If you have valuable or fragile items, ask your mover about full value protection or a third-party moving insurance policy.
Toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, basic tools, toilet paper, bedding or an air mattress, and any medications. Keep it with you rather than on the truck so it’s the first thing you unpack, not the last thing you dig for.
Acclimate them to their crate in the weeks before the move, keep food and routine as normal as possible leading up to travel, and pack familiar items like their bed or a worn t-shirt with your scent. For flights, check with the airline well in advance about crate requirements and cabin eligibility.

Hire Your Local Experienced Colorado Springs Moving Company

A move goes a lot smoother with the right team behind you. Little Red Wagon Moving has helped families and businesses move for years, and our Happy Movers treat every item, big or small, with care.

Ready to cross “hire movers” off your list? Contact Little Red Wagon Moving today for a free estimate. And don’t forget to grab our printable moving checklist PDF to keep with you through the whole process.

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